Nanny charged with killing 2 children says sorry

Nanny charged with killing 2 children says sorry

COLLEEN LONG

Nov. 15, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — A nanny accused of killing two children in the bathtub of their home said she was sorry for what she had done, according to court papers filed Friday.

Yoselyn Ortega has pleaded not guilty to killing 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim on Oct. 25, 2012, in a bathroom while their mother was out picking up her third child from a swimming lesson.

Ortega, 52, cut her throat in a failed suicide attempt. The court papers say she told authorities the little girl tried to fight back before she stabbed her and then killed the boy. She used at least two knives.

"Oh, my God, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I've done," she said, according to the court papers. "Relieve me of my misery."

The documents were included as exhibits in lengthy motions filed by defense attorney Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg. She asked that the prosecutor be dropped from the case and that the judge bar news media from an upcoming court hearing.

Van Leer-Greenberg has said Ortega cannot understand the case because of her injuries and because she suffers from delusions. But a judge found her fit for trial.

Ortega's statements had not previously been made public. They included details from interviews with authorities after she regained consciousness. She told authorities that she hurt the children because she was having money problems and was angry at the parents. She said her schedule constantly shifted, she had to act as a cleaning lady though she didn't want to and she missed an appointment with "the psych," according to the papers.

"I had to do everything and take care of the kids," she said. "God forgive me, so many things they made me do. Pray for me."

In the moments before the killings, the children were out getting ice cream and going to a park because Lulu, as Lucia was called, didn't want to go to dance class, according to the court papers.

The parents, Kevin and Marina Krim, have not spoken publicly about the killings. Last year, at a fundraiser for their nonprofit, they said they missed their children every day and will forever.

"We are just heartbroken," Kevin Krim said. "But they inspire us every day as well. Their lives give us a purpose."